Learning that the breast cancer has metastasized can be devastating for women: the cancer is now advanced, and has spread through the blood stream to other parts of the body. Metastasized breast cancer spreads to the bone, brain, lungs and liver most often, according to BreastCancer.org. Besides undergoing tests to determine whether the cancer has spread, patients can also identify the warning signs of a metastasis.
Bone Metastasis
One area that metastasized breast cancer can occur is in the bones. A major symptom of a metastasis is bone, back or joint pain, according to BreastCancer.org. This pain will have no obvious cause, lasts more than two to three weeks and becomes increasingly worse. Besides the pain, numbness or weakness can occur in the area of the metastasis. If the metastasized breast cancer is located in the backbone, the patient may also experience a change in her bowel or bladder activity.
Brain Metastasis
Another area where metastasized breast cancer can form is in the brain, according to BreastCancer.org. The most common symptom is frequent headaches. Patients can also experience vision changes, such a blurry vision, double vision and a loss of vision. Other patients may have personality changes, such as irritability. Weakness in the arms or legs, as well as a loss of balance, are signs of a brain metastasis. Additional symptoms include confusion, nausea and seizures.
Lung Metastasis
Secondary cancer can also occur in the lungs. The first sign of a metastasis in the lungs, according to BreastCancer.org, is a persistent cough that has no apparent cause and grows worse. Patients may also experience a shortness of breath or chest pain. An additional sign is a loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss.
Liver Metastasis
Breast cancer can metastasize in the liver, according to BreastCancer.org. If a blood test is done, it will reveal abnormal liver function. One sign is abdominal pain that lasts a long time and grows increasingly worse. Fullness and bloating of the stomach may also occur, as well a jaundice. As with a metastasis in the lungs, patients may have a loss of appetite and consequent weight loss.
